The Prime Minister sat in bed and read the Bible after his scandalous charge across the House of Commons floor to manhandle people he disagreed with. Bibles are good at a time like that. Bibles are filled with human emotion, character flaws, violence and stupidity. Bibles also hold advice for comfort, with words that are poignantly honest that recovery equals consequences. Ideals once shattered, always move to a plan B.

In what could be argued as divine timing, the morning after Wednesday evening’s rough scene, Mr. Trudeau was scheduled to read Scripture at the Parliamentary Prayer breakfast, and to speak about his own spiritual journey. In the privacy of his home, Mr. Trudeau reflected on Psalm 130, the assigned Old Testament passage for the leadership reading; “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” However former politician, Jack Murta, who was in close touch with Mr. Trudeau, and who oversees Parliament’s national and weekly non partisan prayer breakfasts, said Mr. Trudeau then found his way to Romans 12. So it was that when Justin Trudeau, the first sitting Prime Minister in memory to address the National Prayer Breakfast rose, Romans 12 was all he had to say. No statements or banter about his spiritual life, just a simple reading of biblical text to a crowd of 1000 Christian friendly folk;

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you …. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud….”

Press was watching but not much chosen for national reporting.

You could have heard a pin drop in the National Prayer Breakfast while the Prime Minister read his selection and then sat down. As an MP, Mr. Trudeau has read Scripture before at these events, in the past he did so with dramatic flair; not so this time. Then in another scheduling irony, prayer breakfast officials claim they forgot that Mr. Trudeau was to be ushered out before the agenda moved into the sermon. Rather, the PM sat and listened, as Jonathon Aitken, a former British MP who served 18 months in jail for perjury explain that it can be our mistakes that define us better than our successes. “The spiritual milestones that are effective are as relevant to prisoners as they are to politicians,” said Mr. Aitken. Pain is the humbling tool that brings a person into prayer and repentance, said Mr. Aitken, as he spoke on the thought and discipline needed for an honest search toward God’s salvation.

As Mr. Aitken ended, the Prime Minister’s entourage ushered him away from press and public. Security had allowed Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader and outspoken Christian, to be waiting for the PM in the elevator, they hugged, spoke and she assured him of her prayers.

This was the 51st Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, a public, ticketed event that is an annual reminder in our country of Christian love and action in politics. I’ve been to a few of these breakfasts; they are usually predictable and ceremonial. Good folk, reminding each other of the right way to live. This one was different. We all left being reminded, that do overs are needed, and that the health of the inner soul is a deeply personal work that has public effect.

Comments

I am a nationalised Canadian from England where my ancestry goes way back to the Norman Invasion! (our last invasion!) I read extensively about Justin Trudeau before casting my vote and I saw a man of incredible intelligence who has spent his learning years studying not only the needs of Canada but also educating his inner person and taking every possible opportunity to do so. I'm spiritual but not formerly religious. He particularly inherited an innate and sharp intelligence from his father and great compassion and caring from his mother. Although these qualities were inherent in both his parents, albeit expressed in different ways. In character he is strong as steel. His view of the world is wide sweeping. He has the courage of his convictions but he is always willing to reconsider should someone present a different slant on a situation. People continue to refer to him as a 'youngster'. He is 45 years old for Heaven's Sake! I have no time for people who are continually looking for ways to criticise this man who is doing a pretty good job of running a country and bringing in healthy changes. Both my husband and I admire him for having the courage of his convictions but also the intelligence and wisdom to listen to all voices. His Harlequin image which swept the world upon his election I do not see as a minus. When has a good looking man been anything but a 'plus'? And contrary to what many people appear to think, he does not trade on his looks. He has a strong, vivacious wife in Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. I also admired the way he walked through at least one pair of shoes going from door to door to get the votes for his election as MP for Papineau, his riding in Montreal. He was relentless in his battle for Papineau. He is a man who will fight for whatever he believes in. Frankly I think Canada is lucky. I have never written anything like this before. Perhaps it is my English blood which usually errs on the side of conservatism. Patricia Drysdale C.
June 9, 2016 | Patricia Collison

Thanks Lorna, for this extra detail that I was not aware of. Thanks for doing the reporting that most of our mainstream media neglect, or self-censor. If I might make a suggestion, following the example of other media in the past few years, might it not be time to remove the Comments section? People are too quick to vent; or, on the other hand while it may be considered undemocratic to do some severe editing, rather than ban comments outright, it might encourage us to put our best word, not our first word, up for the world to see. May 27, 2016 | Duff Crerar

i had peace when Justin was elected, why i don't know, but elected by God i pray and speak no negative thing for who can bare it. Jesus said to call those things that aren't as though they are, speak to your mountain to bring change. May 26, 2016 | PETER LITCHFIELD

Lorna you are extremely biased - I would hardly think that Justin Trudeau deserves all your kudos - no matter what He does you and the Media always make excuses for him. . No praise for Harper putting Canada on the map and our economy on the right track. HIs personal life and speech was exemplary. History is going to prove that Stephen Harper was one of the best Prime Ministers.
Ruth L May 26, 2016 | Ruth Lilly

All I could think of as I read through the comments was, "judge not lest you be judged". Judgement is reserved for God. I do not think he needs any helpers. Perhaps all of us should refresh ourselves on the one (for Christians) we say we follow - Christ. Refresh ourselves on his teachings. God sent his son into the world to save it not to condemn it. Remember Matthew 7:2. We all do things, say things, act on impulses that we later regret. Thank heavens for God's grace. As we are forgiven and receive that grace so we should also extend it to others.May 26, 2016 | D Miller

We are to pray for those God has placed over us. As much as I was stunned and grieved that Trudeau was elected, I know that ultimately God is in control. Maybe we hadnt been praying enough. Or seeking God to save our country and be a blessing. (Well, we are now, arent we!) I am actually encouraged by this article someone posted on my facebook. This tells me that God is working... May 25, 2016 | Suzanne Snyder

Very well said Vox Cantoris! "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. They come in Government and FAKE television Christian programs.
RogerMay 25, 2016 | Roger Cholette

My heart really went out to Justin Trudeau - he stands for Canada on behalf of all of us. I believe that if all of these comments and prayers are going to be prayers for him, then our Heavenly Father will direct Justin's ways, give him wisdom and knowledge. He is very young. As a Christian country we need to hold him up to God every day. We are not here to judge him but to love and lift him up whether or not we voted for him.May 25, 2016 | Arlene

I am somewhat shocked to see such a glowing write-up about our Prime Minister, who seems to be in the Christian secret service. His camouflage is well hidden and how he can be such a hypocrite by quoting scripture one minute and totally separating himself from any moral values in his public life.
I am not fooled.May 25, 2016 | Cliff P.

Wealth and privilege when devoid of humility and endowed with power often leads to tragedy. Jacqueline Kennedy, recognizing this lethal combination in her brother-in-law, Edward Kennedy, referred him the following quotation: "God calls men to a heavy reckoning for overweening pride."
May 25, 2016 | Betty

I have attended National Prayer Breakfasts in some Provinces, Cities, Washington DC and Ottawa, in the late 60's and early 1970s. My husband has also been the keynote speaker at some city prayer breakfasts. If my memory serves me correctly, I do remember the Prime Minister making a comment, although not the reading of the scriptures..
As to Mr.J. Trudeau, he showed his true colours in the house last week. He may read the scriptures at home, but he has publicly stated that Faith has nothing to do with Politics. There in is the error. Our faith should guide us in all decisions , our personal life and our career life. DorothyMay 25, 2016 | Dorothy D

our politicians are elected to represent the Religious and the Kind of mind and deed not to mention those who might be neither. Sometimes religion gets into the thinking that they are all that is true and good and rule by might and right. We are also voters that attempt to live in a Kind way that does not require a scripture to tell us how to live rightly. Miiguetch (thanks) SteveMay 25, 2016 | Steven WinterHawk

Every time I see Mr. Trudeau on TV or photographed I see insincere humility, plus my inner voice says "you cannot trust this man". This makes me wonder............................
M.Kolenosky
May 25, 2016 | Marie Kolenosky

Thank you this article. The night of the House of Commons incident, when getting ready for bed, I said to my husband, "I'm feel sadness about what happened today, but I don't think we need to judge Justin Trudeau too harshly. He will already be more harsh on himself. I will pray for him instead." He will continue to make mistakes.....like the rest of us. But, when all is said and done, we all learn more from our failures than our moments of success or glory.
May 24, 2016 | Hilda Franz

Disrespecting Stephen Harper? You mean the one who deceived and lied to Christians in droves convincing them to vote him in and he would make same sex marriage go away. As if he ever had the power. Rightly or wrongly he had no ability to do that and he knew it. But he promised it anyway and then raised a feeble motion on the issue. When it was quickly thrown out as he knew it would be (it was already law) he shrugged his shoulders and basically said "next". No one is perfect. Certainly not this PM. But anyone who thinks Harper was should read the Duffy decision May 24, 2016 | Linda Leary

Jesus said: Let him who is without sin, throw the first stone! John 8:7May 23, 2016 | Mary Lewis

More than any PM in my time I've felt compelled to pray for this one. I don't always do so but he is on my heart. May 23, 2016 | Tracy Parsons

Lorna, some of these posts are really funny; when Stephen Harper was Prime Minister were you all forgiving & praying for him. I think NOT. We had a Christian PM & even Christian media like yours didn't appreciate or support the great job he was doing to preserve Christian values. Just because Trudeau reads a few Bible verses - don't go overboard with your delight. We are to test all things against the scriptures & right now with what has already been mentioned Justin Trudeau policies doesn't pass. We will see in days to come if he has changed; his policies right now are anti-human race, anti-Christian & anti-Israel. Some Christians here will act so self righteous & tell others to stop judging Trudeau & yet that's what they did to PM Stephen Harper. In short, I don't believe him because he wears a new religion every time there is a new photo op.
At 42, Trudeau still acts like a young adult & he has been put in charge of a great country, Canada, because he maked false promises & tells outright lies. 🤔🤔May 23, 2016 | Darlene Toews

Romans 8:31-39 New King James Version (NKJV)
God’s Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”[a]
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank You Yeshua You taught us how to forgive, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do."May 23, 2016 | Wally Inkster

In one of her first books, Margaret Sinclair Trudeau wrote that Pierre Trudeau used to make it a priority to always be home in time in the evening to read the Bible to his boys before they went to sleep. Justin has been exposed to the Good Book from his earliest days and is an honorable sort regardless of what his detractors claim. Such people are cut from the same ideological ilk I heard as a kid in the late 1960s being told by the fundamentalist community I grew up in that P.E.T. was, if not a Communist, at least a Fabian Socialist. Presumably, we'd all be in concentration camps by next Thursday. Or not! May 22, 2016 | Tim

Satan himself knows the scripture better than anyone else on this planet. I question this and consider it yet another photo op.May 22, 2016 | T.D. Green

A Seed planted let's pray for good soil!! Was reminded of this scripture today.
Proverbs 16:1-4 Amplified
The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the wise answer of the tongue.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Roll your works upon the Lord commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and so shall your plans be established and succeed.
The Lord has made everything to accommodate itself and contribute to its own end and His own purpose—even the wicked are fitted for their role for the day of calamity and evil.
May 22, 2016 | kim palfrey

Frank Taiotekane Horn a Mohawk Indian from Kahnawake Indian Reserve in Quebec. God was leading the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, to speak words of eternal wisdom as he spoke at the prayer breakfast in Parliament in Ottawa, Canada. The Words of the Bible, are powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting asunder between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and discerns the thoughts and intent of the heart. God also says in His Powerful Word that the Word of God once spoken shall never come back void. It will accomplish what ever was said that it must do. Justin Trudeau by divine inspiration became an oracle of God. The people choice, to be their leader, of this great country of Canada, spoke as God gave him the words. He told Canadians to repent immediately right after you make a grave mistake. His mistake, he knew would reverberate throughout Canadian society. If he did not say anything, his words and action would justify Canadians to act upon their worst instincts in their character, we would spout off crude and vulgar words, and act totally inappropriately when our emotions would take us over. Justin Trudeau showed us that we must sit down, speak to our Maker, and show our fellow Canadians that our Heavenly Father is a forgiving and loving God. We must take responsibility for our sins. This is the first step towards the salvation of our soul. We have a Heavenly Father who is full of grace and forgiveness, to anyone who comes to the Throne of Grace. His actions shows us that Justin Trudeau is a humble servant of the people, and he is not an arrogant, self-righteous leader who looks down upon us, the poor and vulgar sinners that we are. Praise the Lord that Justin Trudeau is preaching to the masses of Canadians so that we will have a nation full of people who are ready to meet their Maker at the end of our time on this earth, and when we face our great Judge, Halleluiah, Amen !!!May 22, 2016 | Frank Taiotekane Horn

What a magnificent article and indpiringseries of providential events. BUT all the BUTS in the comments section confirmed to me the wisdom of a. not reading comments section and b. no longrr identifying with Evangelicals as a movement. May 22, 2016 | Brad

I truly want our prime minister to align his thinking and actions with the Word of God and hopefully that is starting to happen on some level. He has to surrender to the Spirit of conviction and repentance for this alignment to occur. I do not see evidence of this happening yet and I hope it happens soon because his accountability is great for where he is taking this nation. Lord have mercy on Justin and bring him into Your destiny for him!May 21, 2016 | Maria Chapeskie

I will keep praying for our Prime Minister, his family and leaders of our land.
May 21, 2016 | Rosanne Poffenroth

As much as I know that we are to pray for our leaders, I also think that Christians in particular need to see the whole of Scripture. I realize that some have said this already that we need to see fruit of repentance and just because he is reading from the scriptures does not mean that he is walking with God. I don't see any thing that would point to that. I think that we as Christians white wash things way too much and make it sound like that just because he is in gov't that he is appointed of God. I know that the scripture points that out but as someone already mentioned, Hitler was not appointed by God. He had an agenda and a mandate on his life that was not godly that he fulfilled. However, Justin should be in a job that is more fitted to him like drama since he is definitely more fitted in that category. I don't hate him but I dislike what he is doing in Canada. Canada is an embarrassment at this time to other nations simply because we elected a puppet that is being manipulated by the Muslims that are standing behind him and got him into gov't.. I for one did not nor will I ever vote for him.. We need a new leader, someone who don't throw tantrums in public. He is an embarrassment to Canadians.. Nuff said. May 21, 2016 | Gladys

Lorna, Thanks for writing about this. I was at the breakfast, about three tables back. I watched as the Prime Minister read. Several thoughts and angles came to mind. It was a good passage to read. Powerful. Good to hear; from any lector. It is never the lector that interprets anyways. I thought of the log in my own eye. I wondered about the man I saw reading. Did he realize what a golden opportunity for repentance is upon him? Does he "get" that repentance, that "change of mind" that Jonathon Aitken spoke about is powerful? Does he know that the secret of repentance is that no one can argue with it? And that repentance is ours to enter but does not actually belong to us? Has he known personal failure? Real personal failure? Pray for Mr. Trudeau? Yes. For what? The same thing we all need. The courage to repent. Repent, believe, receive; but one has to make the first move, no matter how high one is on the "greasy pole of politics," as Aitken put it. Yes, the PM is in my prayer time. As is Canada. As should be. A Mari Usque Ad MareMay 21, 2016 | Dave Mulcair

What was it he did that was so horrible and sinful?May 21, 2016 | Leona Bajer

there is NO evidence this man has ever made a decision based up scripture or moral truths.
If God does not turn him we can pray God remove him. May 21, 2016 | Brian

Incredible insight and definitely something for us all to ponder. We are so quick to judge our politicians when we need to be praying for them. After all they are just as human as we are and can make the same mistakes that we doMay 21, 2016 | Brian Bigam

I absolutely agree that we should be praying for our Prime Minister but I am perhaps skeptically optimistic that he is open to the Spirit's guiding. He does appear to be a chameleon, very open to everything and sincere about nothing. It is not judging to be concerned about direction he is taking Canada. His decisions will have a grave impact on us all. And to the person who said all authority is God given... perhaps context is in order. Was Hitler's authority God given. Are we to submit to rulers who flaunt God's laws, who call good evil and evil good??
I will say it is very hypocritical of the media to defend him in light of the way they treated Stephen Harper. It's just unbelievable. The infamous Soviet propaganda machine of the 70's has nothing on the current North American media!May 21, 2016 | Kim

I agree that forgiveness is a part of our spiritual walk but I also believe that fruits of ones spirits are as important and the fruits of his spirit are showing up very rotten.... I think our PM has an awe fall lot of growing up to do and it should not be in the public forum of PM. However since he is in this seat we need to yes pray for him and KEEP him accountable.... So first and foremost pray that God continues to work on his heart and prick his conscience because all actions have consequences and change the face of our country.... May 21, 2016 | Barbara Gauthier

Lorna,
Three things came to my mind AFTER I read your article. Three responses that I need to personally consider.
1) Casting Stones…remembering what Jesus said in John 8:7 and thinking about times I have blown it;
2) Praying for Leadership…wondering how often I have REALLY prayed for those in authority over me and finally,
3) New Hearts..that is God’s business and he delights in doing it. I for one am almost daily thankful that he did an Ezekial 36:26 turnaround job in my life…nothing is impossible with our God.
Thank you Lorna, for giving me Context this morning. Thank you for giving me a different “perspective.” T
May 21, 2016 | Doris Olafsen

Thank you Lorna!
May 21, 2016 | Jacob

It seems we are making a big thing out of something that is minor compared to what else is happening not only in Canada, but also in other countries. We are on a course of self destruction. Our social values are turned upside down and when you look at history you can see what the results will be. The worst thing is that you can not even speak out against it, without being labelled a homophobic or worse. May 21, 2016 | Ernst Friedel

Thank you Lorna, I pray this event can be a turning point for our Prime Minister, to turn to God for wisdom, understanding and knowledge in upcoming decision making, and I will pray to that end.May 21, 2016 | Jean Kaiser

I apparently missed something?? I read the article and ALL I got out of it was that God is at work. God is moving and arranging situations that Justin hear Him.
I am always encouraged when I hear the ways God arranges things inspite of us!!
Lord God thank You for all the ways that You are and work. Forgive us for all the times we over-look and don't praise You for what You are doing.
Thank you Lorna, for seeing it and sharing so we can praise God too!!!!!
Let's keep praying! "God is able to do abundantly more than anything "we" can think or imagine."
Blessings Lorna!May 21, 2016 | Bethany Fichtner

1 Timothy 2:1- 4 New International Version (NIV)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.May 21, 2016 | Bev Sesink

Where is TRUTH in all of this? John 1:14 says Jesus was "full of grace AND truth."
Why are we "whitewashing" Trudeaus overt liberal policies, with a coat of his "human frailties" and demonizing those who would hold his feet to the fire, as the problem?
Legalization of marijuana, putting anatomical males into female bathrooms and showers by the force of law, euthanasia, abortion, misrepresentation on public indebtedness.
Mr. Chandler is right about us being "salt and light" and not SUGAR! No ones advocating for rudeness, but the Lord Jesus was not crucified for being a "Christian nice guy!" Truth matters!May 21, 2016 | Lee Strohschein

After the event in parliament I found myself feeling great compassion for our Prime minister
I am reminded of Romans 8:28
All things work together for good!
Pray for him. He needs our prayers. Do not judge but pray.
We all have sinned and fallen short. When we point the finger there are three pointing back at us.May 21, 2016 | Judy Lafrance

No man is perfect only God is. If God forgave King David, who took advantage of his faithful servant's wife, arranged for his servant to be killed on the battle field and then tried to cover it all up, Why cant we forgive our Prime Minister Justin if he did messed up. Are we who cannot forgive him bigger than God? Please read Romans 13:1-2 (NLT) 1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
May 21, 2016 | George

Thank you, Lorna, for sharing these behind-the-scenes insights into what was a strangely moving moment at yesterday's Breakfast. It's unfortunate that so many of your readers seem to be missing your point-- that do overs are needed. I've benefitted from a few, and surely haven't seen my last.May 21, 2016 | Ed Wilson

This man is whatever you want him to be. He says the Muslim prayer, the Hindu prayer and then opens his Bible. How come he is passing every bill that violates the scriptures. Christians who believe this are just as foolish as he isMay 21, 2016 | Sarita

This is so refreshing. God is at work in everyone. We are all a work in progress. All at differents stages. I know that we will all be surprised who will be in heaven, it won't be who we think. Let us tread carefully and hope that we make it! Thank you Lorna.
May 20, 2016 | Shelayne

Lorna, blessed are the peacemakers. Continue to be courageous and not partisan, even in the face of criticism. I applaud you.May 20, 2016 | Sal Cucci

We are to pray for our leaders. No matter who or what party they represented. A lot of pressure and easy to fall with indignation...I , for one, though not voted for him, appreciate his struggle. Pray for our leaders. Parliamentary representatives are all subject to temptation. May 20, 2016 | Sunny

I am also intrigued by the Lord's timing with these events. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. May the events from the prayer breakfast make the Prime Minister draw closer to Jesus so that his temper is tempered and his actions formed by grace...something we all need.May 20, 2016 | Peter Wukasch

It certainly seems to be quite a Paradox. A Prime Minister who seems to have some affiliation to the Christian faith and yet stand be Abortion, now championing Euthanasia in what many observers claim to be a less than thoughtful way. A Prime Minister who will also push through the legalization of Marijuana if he possibly can. A Prime Minister who has already begun the process of significantly moving the Nation into deep debt, which our grandchildren will be burdened to repay. I am left to question where the fruit of faith is found in all of this and how these action will honour the Lord. May 20, 2016 | Dale Lang

It is easy to select scripture out of context (Romans 12) but even if he were to carry on and read Romans 13 he would "Hopefully" see that he does not live by Gods standards!May 20, 2016 | Dale

Thank you for this, Lorna. It was what I needed to hear myself today.May 20, 2016 | Lauri Thompson

I find this ironic that it's called "Context" with Lorna Dueck. What context? A man who tells another human being to "get the *blank* out of the way" a day before and then reads scripture without conscience? I am frankly surprised at the lack of context.May 20, 2016 | Kelvin Funkner

I appreciated this very much. Thank you for sharing authentic moments of encounter--they are indeed more powerful, and dare I say more eternal, than political positioning. May 20, 2016 | Faith Richardson

Lorna, you seem to capture God's heart on these topics with regularity! If you are a follower of Jesus our role is not to judge but to pray and bless. May 20, 2016 | Steve Long

Well said, Lorna. Thanks for speaking the truth, which is neither left or right! We need the context of the entire Matthew 5 "Blessed" passage to understand the fullness of what Jesus meant by salt and light. And then we need to remember that he was never afraid to point out true righteousness and expose the hypocrisy of those who saw themselves as righteously and rightly powerful and who sat in angry and relentless judgement of everyone who did not submit to their version of God and the world. Jesus loved the repentant sinner but the arrogantly self-righteous repelled him. God bless Elizabeth May for her grace and mercy in offering a cup of water in the parched land of parliament!! I can only imagine how tough it must have been for PM Trudeau to get up the next day after the "donnybrook" in the House, and show up and simply read (it is surely notable and commendable that he did not use the opportunity to self-justify) at the prayer breakfast. He has demonstrated humble leadership and courage. We would do well to remember from both old and new testaments that God loves mercy, justice, a humble heart and a faithful walk with Him: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8b and mercilessly judging another displeases God: "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13 I heard no "sugar" in your column - you are speaking salt and light and new wine. Just not vinegar.May 20, 2016 | Grace Terrett

Well said Lorna. The previous comments are from people who clearly missed the point, whose ideological 2x4's in their eyes prevent them from seeing God at work. You and your show are indeed salt and light! Not sugar. And definitely not vinegar either.May 20, 2016 | Richelle Wiseman

Well spoken, Lorna. There are plenty of things to criticize. We are not to despise the day of small beginnings. This could be one. Thank you for your positive, incisive outlook!May 20, 2016 | Greg Thurston

Thank you for sharing these moments that the other media outlets seem not to be interested in.
I believe our PM has an open heart for God and for good. I hope your organization will continue to support him and pray for him.May 20, 2016 | Amanda

We all can quote the words of God ..... True ..... But but their fruits ye shall know who are the true children of God ...May 20, 2016 | Sandi

Thank you Lorna for looking beyond and finding something positive in our Prime Minister. There are such glimpses of goodness though the negative seems to be more amplified.
I wonder if Vox and Craig and the rest of us got down on our knees and actually prayed for him and offered sacrifices for him, would our Prime Minister start to see things in a different way. May 20, 2016 | Dianne Wood

My Facebook news feed is split between memes calling for either Justin Trudeau to be charged with assault or Ruth Ellen Brousseau being nominated for an Oscar for her great acting job. What all these reactions have in common (and some of the comments here as well), once we've ideologically picked our side and our team, the opponent pretty much loses all credibility and becomes the face of evil personified. Thank you, Lorna, for resisting this endless us-versus-them mentality, and reminding us of our common humanity, a humanity that can't help but reveal our brokenness but also isn't beyond the capability of repentance, redemption and healing.May 20, 2016 | Josh Mueller

Lorna is all about forgiveness, love and giving others the space and respect to deal with their own weaknesses. Those who are ordinary Canadians and those who are in places of revered responsibility in our nation. Recognizing that we are all broken and we all need to be fixed is the first step to being a good Christian. True empathy results in love overall and is a rare quality these days. Lorna Dueck demonstrates all of that and more. Left, right, who cares. We all human, we all make mistakes.
And a very classy lady that Elizabeth May is. She gets it.May 20, 2016 | Elizabeth Sharpe

Thank you for this, Lorna. God is at work. God is not finished....
May 20, 2016 | Robb Powell

Thank you for sharing this. Indeed, it can be our mistakes and how we handle them that define us. Forgiveness is for everyone, not just for those we agree with ideologically.May 20, 2016 | Carmelle P.

He ushers in Euthanasia. Funding for foreign abortions. You praise him because he can read a quote from a faith he does not follow?May 20, 2016 | Vox Cantoris

Lorna over the years you have become increasingly left wing. The same day he acted like a child was the vote on Assisted Suicide, yet nothing said by you, but, praise for this man. We are to be Salt and light. You seem to be all sugar.May 20, 2016 | Craig B. Chandler

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